Remote Key Fob Repair
The majority of modern cars now have the remote key fob which can be used to lock, unlock or start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment it is not without its own issues.
They are generally easy to repair. You can reset it by following the instructions in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery inside the key fob. The battery is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced regularly to maintain the functionality of the fob. There are a variety of reasons your key fob might not be functioning properly, besides the battery. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the cause. Regardless of the cause, if your key fob's sensor is not responding and is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.
First, ensure that you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032 which is easily found in many stores. Most of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the current battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to make sure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple step can help you avoid having to buy a new fob simply because you made an error while putting it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs include an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in case the remote control isn't working. To open the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to be extra vigilant, you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs come with an integrated voltmeter, however you can buy a multimeter in many hardware stores for a few dollars. Generally speaking, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or greater. A reading that is lower than this could indicate the battery is at its end and requires replacement immediately.
Check the Buttons
Key fobs for cars may appear like little more than fancy, high-tech convenience items however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for remotes to fail after a while, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's a lot of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, most of the time it can be easy to diagnose and fix a problem with the remote key fob and replacing the battery is usually all that is required.
Many modern-day car key fobs have multiple buttons for different functions, such as locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When the button is pressed, the fob sends a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Certain fobs come with a button to start the car, which is especially useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals of the key fob can be loose over time, despite the fact that they aren't intended to be disassembled. Soldering can be used to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to repair by yourself. However, a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience.
Keep an extra key fob in a safe place, just in the event that the one you are using most often stops working. This can prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your insurance policy for your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine if it covers the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob's cap to get wet. It could be the result of an in-ground pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The resulting water can play destruction to the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. It's a good idea to know that you can save a key fob from destruction by following a few easy steps and thoroughly drying it.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning properly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons aren't working or don't appear to be able to open, it could be time to replace your remote.
You should also check the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the function of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove the battery, however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them that keep the key fob programmed to your vehicle. And should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced your battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob by placing it into the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will help prevent future moisture issues and make your key fob last longer.
If the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that specializes in your specific model and make of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your particular vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If all else fails, an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are just like the factory key fob, but cheaper. They can be easily paired to your vehicle by following simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of replacements that you can re-program in minutes.
Check www.thekeylab.co.uk , your key fob will cease to function - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be caused by many factors that include malfunctioning batteries or buttons. If this is the case, you may be in a position to fix it yourself by doing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you have to do is ensure that the backup remote you have is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does, you may have issues with your primary remote. If you still can't do it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. After that, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. You can then pry apart your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing down. After you have reinserted your board and reassembled your key fob.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, you could have a more serious issue. In this case you'll have to contact your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the make of your car. They can diagnose the issue using a radio-frequency tester, a device which determines whether your key fob sends signals to the computer in your car.
Hopefully, this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!